lynn2006 - I'm not necessarily handy, this is my first time trying this stuff, lol. I just watch a lot of how to videos, and then take my time. The cabinets are from Cliq Studios in Dayton White. I searched a long time, and saw the positive and negative reviews for them, but they were the best option for us. They just arrived yesterday, and I do have problems with a couple of them which will need to be replaced. A couple of the negative reviews dealt with the shipping situation from Cliq, but my experience was fine. They scheduled the delivery for 3-6 PM, but the driver arrived before 2PM. I wasn't home, and he waited for me until I arrived at 2:55. As for color, I had my sample color matched at Sherwin Williams - it's very close to SW Alabaster, which is a slightly creamy white. The walls have one coat of SW Creamy (over the old green color), but I'm not sure I like the two different whites together. I'll wait for the 2nd coat on the walls until the countertops are installed. Speaking of countertops - I was originally planning on Silestone, but changed my mind to get soapstone on the perimeter. Here is my slab (it's not shiny, just the reflection of my camera flash where they sprayed it with water to show the dark color) Closeup with green veining:

I have two pantries, neither is so big as you are looking at, but this what I have: I have one that is 24" wide by 24 deep and one is 21" x 24 deep, I have all roll outs in the lower two thirds and I love them, I think there are three in each. The upper part of the 24" pantry is divided for cookie sheets/racks, cutting boards, etc. The other has one full shelf and it is okay, I use it for storing my extra paper towels, napkins and baggie stuff, foil, etc. on the bottom, on the top I installed some wire pullouts and store stuff I don't use too often (inserts for pressure cooker, extra food chopper, etc..) Otherwise the top was useless to me except for the very front without a ladder or chair to stand on... :$ I have terrible balance, need I say more? I previously had two walk ins, narrow, but deep pantries with permanent shelves and they were almost useless except for the first 6-8 inches in, everything else became lost in there... Good luck with your choices, hope this helps...

Yes, that hole will be covered and subway tiled along with that outlet being re-located. Here is another pic of where white painted banquette seating is being built. There will be a small beverage area, re-purposing the microwave cabinet and a new cabinet for the beverage fridge. The countertop will be white marble and will also have 3 twelve foot open shelves above. Should these be the same finish as the open shelving in kitchen?

I've slept on it, and I like a lighter color, if that's ok, because you need to contrast with the floor? I think. It's almost too matchy-matchy. Though, I like the black idea too because that takes it further away from the color of the floor. Husbands do have some good ideas, sometimes. Besides, Aspen would love for it to be black